Pit bulls evoke emotions ranging from fear to admiration.
The American pit bull terrier evokes emotion and fear in some people but continues to fill others with awe and admiration. This breed was responsible for 22 percent of the dog bites among patients at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, according to a 2010 study presented at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) conference in Atlanta. Associations such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breed Association (ADBA) recognize and support this breed while stressing responsible breeding and proper socialization.
Instructions
1. Have a veterinarian neuter or spay the pit bull before it is 6 months old. This reduces medical problems and aggressive tendencies.
2. Have a veterinarian perform annual wellness exams and address any health problems with the pit bull. Even a minor ear infection can cause pain that is easily and accidentally aggravated by a child's touch.
3. Discuss puppy care, training techniques, dominance aggression and puppy "gentling" techniques with a veterinarian. "Gentling" refers to an introductory approach in which a puppy is gradually exposed to close examination and handling by an owner to lessen its fear or aggression.
4. Discuss with a veterinarian the hierarchical world that dogs live in and ways owners can assert themselves as the "pack leader" to a dominant breed such as pit bulls. For example, don't allow a pit bull to exit or enter a doorway first. The owner should always lead, reasserting authority over the animal.
5. Teach pit bull puppies tricks, such as sitting and heeling, from a young age and reinforce a positive behavior consistently with a reward like a treat. All members of the family of all ages and even strangers should do this with proper supervision. This process will gradually help solidify a person's higher status and socialize the dog to all types of people.
6. Designate play areas, walk areas and a place for the dog's crate or den. Don't allow the dog to sleep on human furniture. This will lessen the likelihood of competition for territory and dog bites as a person approaches or shoos the animal off a couch or bed.
7. Don't allow a pit bull to eat in dining areas. Don't feed the dog table scraps or allow it to eat off people's plates. A dog that is predisposed to dominance will likely compete aggressively for any food source and expect it without hesitation if not properly trained and socialized.
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